Police: Texas woman admits killing 2 young sons

SAN ANTONIO — A 22-year-old woman stabbed her two young sons to death, then calmly held her wrists out to police officers who arrived at her home and said “I killed my babies,” authorities said.

Elyse Marsyl Colon was being held today on two counts of capital murder of a child in the deaths of her sons, 3-year-old Jose Luis Garcia and 1-year-old Guillermo Garcia. Her bond was set at $2 million.

“Words can’t describe the scene,” San Antonio police Chief William McManus said. “It was unspeakably sad.”

Colon was waiting outside her home when officers arrived Tuesday evening and put her hands behind her back as they approached, police said. When an officer asked “What happened?” Colon allegedly responded with, “I killed my babies.”

An officer kicked in the locked front door of the home and found the boys lying on a bed, according to police. After Colon was placed in the patrol car, she allegedly told police, “Their father was in jail; I want him to know.”

Public records show that Luis Alonso Garcia, who lived at the same address, was arrested in September for illegal entry and for family assault, a third-degree felony. More information was not immediately known.

Jail records indicated Colon did not have an attorney. She cursed at reporters while being taken to court for arraignment late Tuesday. She wore jeans, black ankle boots and a black “Don’t Mess with Texas” skull cap when arrested, according to the police report.

The attack occurred less than three miles from the home where prosecutors say a woman decapitated and butchered her 3-week-old boy last summer. The woman, Otty Sanchez, is charged with capital murder.

On Colon’s street, neighbor Angelica Puentes, 34, said she had talked to the woman a couple of times and said she seemed like she was in a daze.

“They can’t speak for themselves, they can’t defend themselves,” Puentes told San Antonio television station KSAT. “They’re very vulnerable right now. She just took advantage of that for whatever reason, I don’t know.”

State child welfare officials said today they were still looking into whether their agency had previously investigated the family.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Bothell
Bothell man charged with the murder of his wife after Shoreline shooting

On Tuesday, the 43-year-old pleaded not guilty in King County Superior Court.

Five Snohomish County men named in drug and gun trafficking indictments

On Tuesday, federal and local law enforcement arrested 10 individuals in connection with three interrelated drug and gun trafficking conspiracies.

Snohomish County Sheriff Susanna Johnson speaks at a press conference outside of the new Snohomish County 911 building on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County sheriff working to fix $15M in overspending

In a presentation to the County Council, Sheriff Johnson said she’s reducing overtime hours and working to boost revenue with a new 0.1% sales tax.

A Sound Transit bus at it's new stop in the shadow of the newly opened Northgate Lightrail Station in Seattle. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Sound Transit may add overnight bus service between Everett, Seattle

The regional transit agency is seeking feedback on the proposed service changes, set to go into effect in fall 2026.

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mother sues Edmonds School District after her son’s fingertip was allegedly severed

The complaint alleges the boy’s special education teacher at Cedar Way Elementary closed the door on his finger in 2023.

Pedal-free electric bikes are considered motorcycles under Washington State law (Black Press Media file photo)
Stanwood Police: Pedal-free e-bikes are motorcycles

Unlike electric-assisted bikes, they need to be registered and operated by a properly endorsed driver.

The aftermath of a vandalism incident to the Irwin family's "skeleton army" display outside their Everett, Washington home. (Paul Irwin)
Despite vandalism spree, Everett light display owners vow to press on

Four attacks since September have taken a toll on Everett family’s Halloween and Christmas cheer.

Students, teachers, parents and first responders mill about during a pancake breakfast at Lowell Elementary School in 2023 in Everett. If approved, a proposed bond would pay for a complete replacement of Lowell Elementary as well as several other projects across the district. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett school board sends bond, levy measures to Feb. ballot

The $400 million bond would pay for a new school and building upgrades, while the levy would pay for locally funded expenses like extra-curriculars and athletics.

Edgewater Bridge construction workers talk as demolition continues on the bridge on Friday, May 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edgewater Bridge construction may impact parking on Everett street

As construction crews bring in large concrete beams necessary for construction, trucks could impact parking and slow traffic along Glenwood Avenue.

A person waits in line at a pharmacy next to a sign advertising free flu shots with most insurance on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County reports first local flu death of the season

Health officials are encouraging residents to get their annual flu vaccines ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

People walk through Explorer Middle School’s new gymnasium during an open house on Oct. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett middle school celebrates opening of new gym

The celebration came as the Mukilteo School District seeks the approval of another bond measure to finish rebuilding Explorer Middle School.

Daily Herald moves to new office near downtown Everett

The move came after the publication spent 12 years located in an office complex on 41st Street.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.